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Whichever way you look at it, riding motorcycles is a noisy business. It's often accepted that it comes with the territory, but sustained exposure to a continuous loud noise can seriously damage your hearing. The problem isn't so much the sound of an internal combustion engine doing its thing (unless it's constantly at full chat, such as on a track, or firing through an obnoxiously loud exhaust), but the turbulent roar of wind ripping around a helmet. Thankfully a decent pair of motorcycling earplugs can make all the difference.

Tests have shown that the interior of a crash [helmet](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/helmets/motorcycle-helmets/) can experience Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) well in excess of 100dB and this can quickly end up causing permanent hearing damage. There is also the potential for increased fatigue, which can lead to a dangerous drop in concentration on long journeys.

There are several things to consider when purchasing earplugs. In order to compare their effectiveness, look for the SNR, or Single Number Rating. This indicates by how much they reduce noise in decibels (dB) as per ISO certification. The bigger the number, the greater the reduction. There's also CE approval to EN 352-2, the certification for hearing PPE.

Noise reduction is, of course, the goal, but cut out too much sound and you may lose some that's helpful, such as engine, traffic and emergency vehicles. This is where filters come in, as they will still allow certain frequencies to be heard. With the right filter, wind noise can be reduced without losing the ability to hold a conversation.

There are lots of different motorcycling earplugs available, from incredibly cheap disposable off-the-shelf ones to custom-made items costing significant money. We've listed a broad selection of what's available, along with real world reviews and an overview of key points.

## Top motorcycle earplugs {#h-top-motorcycle-earplugs}

**Be the first to know what's coming in the latest issue of MCN, plus the latest road tests, recommendations, and competitions. Sign up to the** [**MCN newsletter**](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/newsletter/){:target=_blank :rel=noreferrer noopener}**.**

A one-stop solution to anything motorcycle related, Sportsbikeshop stocks pretty much anything you can think of, from every brand that matters when it comes to bikes.

And with clearance deals all year round, there's never a bad time to go bargain hunting.

We've done the digging for you and split everything up into neat sections to save time.

<a href="#Jeans">Jeans</a> <a href="#Jackets">Jackets and airbags</a> <a href="#Gloves">Gloves</a> <a href="#One piece leathers">One piece leathers</a> <a href="#Waterproofs">Waterproofs</a> <a href="#Base layers">Base layers</a> <a href="#Boots">Boots</a> <a href="#Helmets">Helmets</a> <a href="#Cleaning">Cleaning and maintenance</a> <a href="#Phone mounts">Phone mounts</a> <a href="#Sat navs and tech">Sat navs, dash cams and tech</a> <a href="#Security">Security</a>

## The best Sportsbikeshop deals at a glance {#h-the-best-sportsbikeshop-deals-at-a-glance}

[More jeans deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-jeans/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

## Jackets and airbags {#h-jackets-and-airbags}

[More jacket deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-jackets/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More glove deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-winter-gloves-/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

## One Piece Leathers {#h-one-piece-leathers}

[More one piece leathers deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/motorcycle-leathers/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More waterproof deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-waterproof-suits/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More base layer deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-thermals-and-base-layers/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

## Cleaning and maintenance {#h-cleaning-and-maintenance}

[More cleaning deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/bike-care/best-motorcycle-cleaners/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More helmet deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/helmets/best-budget-crash-helmets/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

## Sat navs, dash cams and tech {#h-sat-navs-dash-cams-and-tech}

[More sat nav deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/tech/best-motorcycle-satnavs/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More security deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/security/motorcycle-garage-security/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

## How much does delivery cost on Sportsbikeshop? {#h-how-much-does-delivery-cost-on-sportsbikeshop}

All mainland deliveries over £25 from Sportsbikeshop are free. [Check here for more information](https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/info/delivery){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}.

<ul> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/gifts/black-friday-mcn/">MCN's favourite Black Friday</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/tools/halfords-sale-deals/">Halfords Black Friday roundup</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-jeans/">Best deals on jeans during Black Friday</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/bike-care/top-motorcycle-battery-chargers/">Black Friday battery charger offers</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-winter-gloves/">Best winter glove offers</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/tech/best-motorcycle-satnavs/">Sat navs slashed in Black Friday deal</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/bike-care/best-motorcycle-cleaners/">Cleaning sprays and pressure washer deals</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/tools/best-socket-sets/">Expand your socket set collection with these offers</a></li> <li><a href="https://products.motorcyclenews.com/maintenance/tools/motorcycle-tyre-pressure-gauge/">Best tyre pressure monitors for Black Friday</a></li> </ul>

### Be the first to know what's coming in the latest issue of MCN, plus the latest road tests, recommendations, and competitions. Sign up to the [MCN newsletter](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/newsletter/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}. {#h-be-the-first-to-know-what-s-coming-in-the-latest-issue-of-mcn-plus-the-latest-road-tests-recommendations-and-competitions-sign-up-to-the-mcn-newsletter}

Whether November means the end of the riding season or just the point where you zip the thermal liner into your jacket, there's no ignoring the fact that it also means loads of good deals on clearance kit.

You can pick up some new winter gloves or take advantage of the lower prices to stock up on jeans and leathers for next year, to make sure you're ready to ride when the sun eventually makes an appearance.

Black Friday is over for 2022, but there are plenty of end of season deals about, so we'll keep flagging them up here.

[Latest clearance offers on Sportsbikeshop](https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mcn/content_search/blackfriday/500,2113,840){:target=_blank :rel=noreferrer noopener}

[MCN's end of season round-up](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/gifts/black-friday-mcn/){:target=_blank :rel=noreferrer noopener}

## Our favourite Black Friday deals by category

<a href="#Cleaning">Cleaning and winter maintenance</a> <a href="#Jeans">Jeans</a> <a href="#Jackets">Jackets and airbags</a> <a href="#Heatedgloves">Heated gloves</a> <a href="#Gloves">Gloves</a> <a href="#One piece leathers">One piece leathers</a> <a href="#Waterproofs">Waterproofs</a> <a href="#Base layers">Base layers</a> <a href="#Boots">Boots</a> <a href="#Helmets">Helmets</a> <a href="#Phone mounts">Phone mounts</a> <a href="#Security">Security</a> <a href="#Earphones">Earphones</a> <a href="#Battery chargers">Battery chargers</a> <a href="#Sat navs and tech">Sat navs, dash cams and tech</a> <a href="#Tools">Tools</a> <a href="#Pressure washers">Pressure washers</a> <a href="#Toys">Toys</a>

## Cleaning and winter maintenance {#h-cleaning-and-winter-maintenance}

[More heated glove deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/heated-motorcycle-gloves/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

We'll update this section as and when deals drop.

[More deals on base layers here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/clothing/best-motorcycle-thermals-and-base-layers/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

[More earphone deals here](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/accessories/tech/motorcycle-earphones/){:target=_blank :rel=noopener noreferrer}

Keeping your head well protected is critical on a motorbike, however it can also be a costly process with some manufacturers charging serious money for a range-topping motorcycle helmet.

Budget-conscious alternatives such as the lids below are far from a compromise; many offer the same level of features as far pricier examples, they just may lack the famous racer’s graphics on them.

If you want a quality helmet from a recognised brand name you don’t need to spend the earth as there is a fantastic array of choices out there. MCN's expert testers take the pick of the sub £300 crop to task, plus we've added some essential buying information and handy tips.

## Also consider these {#h-also-consider-these}

## The important questions {#h-the-important-questions}

To conform to UK law a helmet must either:

Reach British Standard BS 6658:1985 and also carry the BSI Kitemark.

Meet a European Economic Area member standard equivalent of BS 6658:1985 and also carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark.

Most lids will have ECE 22-05 printed on them, usually at the back of the lid.

SHARP’s five-star safety rating is an independent helmet testing scheme ran by the Department of Transport. You can see which lids have been tested at SHARP’s website.

An ‘ACU Gold or Silver’ sticker means that the lid is approved for use in motorcycle sport by the Auto Cycle Union in the UK. Some trackday organisers insist on you wearing an ACU Gold-approved helmet.

One of the best anti-fog inserts on the market, many lids come with a Pinlock included in the box while others simply have its fixings and you need to purchase the Pinlock itself separately. If you need to buy it, factor this extra expense into your buying decision.

A heavy lid can put extra strain on your neck, leading to fatigue when worn for a long period of time, so a lightweight lid can be an advantage when it comes to touring.

Helmets get sweaty and removing the lining and cleaning it thoroughly is the best way of reducing smells and keeping it nice to wear. If you cover a lot of miles in all weather conditions it is a good idea to get a lid with a removable lining.

A fiddly visor removal system can be very annoying when it comes to removing the visor to give it a good clean and remove and stuck on flies. Look for a well-designed system that will allow you to quickly remove the visor with minimal effort or use of tools. Some overly-complicated visor release systems result in broken side-pods or a damaged mechanism and that could mean a lengthy delay while you await spare parts.

**Does it have an integrated sun visor?**

A ‘flip-down’ sun visor is a really handy addition for when the sun is out as it means you can simply flip it down while on the go rather than stopping to fit a pair of sunglases.

A hot head is an uncomfortable head, so see if the helmet has vents and if they are easily operated by a gloved hand. The more vents, the cooler your head will be, however they can create extra wind noise.

**Is it ready for a communications system?**

Many helmets are ‘communications ready,’ which means they are designed with extra recesses around the ear areas so that you can insert headphones for a communications system. Without these recesses, the headphones can press irritatingly on your ears.

If you wear glasses, a lot of helmets have special areas in them to allow the glasses’ arms to sit comfortably between the lining and your face, stopping them pressing on you or getting deformed and also making them easy to remove and put on.

**What kind of strap fastener does it have?**

There are two general types of helmet strap fastener – a D-Ring and a ratchet-style. The D-Ring requires manually threading and then tightening the strap where a ratchet-style system is a simple push-fit. It is a matter of choice with some riders preferring the ease of the ratchet-style and other opting for the secure feeling offered by a D-Ring.

Legally a visor must allow a light transmission of 50%, which means most dark visors are ‘for non-road use only.’ This doesn’t stop riders wearing them and if you want to have a dark visor, always check that one is readily available for the helmet you are looking at.

**Be the first to know what's coming in the latest issue of MCN, plus the latest road tests, recommendations, and competitions. Sign up to the [MCN newsletter](https://www.motorcyclenews.com/newsletter/){:target=_blank :rel=noreferrer noopener}.**

As far as the law is concerned, the only item of protective kit you are required to wear on a motorcycle is a helmet. There’s a good reason for this, as repeated studies have shown that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the chance of serious injury (or worse) in the event of an accident. It’s common sense to look after your noggin anyway but deciding which is the best motorcycle helmet for you can be a difficult decision, especially with such a vast choice available.

<a href="#How to choose the right helmet for you">How to choose the right helmet for you</a>

[MCN's guide to the best budget helmets](https://products.motorcyclenews.com/clothing/helmets/best-budget-crash-helmets/)

### An overview of different helmet types {#h-an-overview-of-different-helmet-types}

## How to choose the right helmet for you {#h-how-to-choose-the-right-helmet-for-you}

The basic rule of thumb is to buy the best motorcycle helmet you can afford, however that still leaves a lot to consider. Let’s start by looking at the fundamentals and work our way through to options.

A helmet’s primary function is to protect your head from an impact with a solid object. It does this with two main elements – a hard outer shell that is designed to absorb the impact across its entire surface and a deformable inner layer that acts as a cushion, or crumple zone. Fibreglass, polycarbonate or carbon fibre are typical materials for the outer construction, whilst expanded polystyrene (EPS) is widely used for the inner.

Many manufacturers incorporate a multi directional impact system (MIPS) which offers additional protection by allowing the inner to move independently, thus reducing rotational injuries. Some helmets also have an emergency quick release system (EQRS), which gives emergency services the opportunity to withdraw the cheek pads whilst the helmet is still being worn. This reduces pressure on the head, loosening the fit and making removal easier and safer.

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